Dental Health Department Infection Control Information

A written infection control protocol for procedures in the dental area, laboratory
and clinic operation will be provided annually to all dental health faculty, staff
and students; the Chairperson, Department of Dental Health Programs; and the Dean
of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences. The protocol is based on current standards
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and college policies.

The dental health faculty and staff will be provided with at least one in-house continuing
education program in infection control annually given by the Dental Health Department
Infection Control Officer or person designated by the Department Chairperson.

This policy outlines the procedure to be followed if a bloodborne pathogen exposure
occurs. Copies of this plan MUST be given to all students. Students MUST read this
policy when they enroll in a CCRI health program, and MUST sign the waiver of understanding
that they understand CCRI's policy on bloodborne pathogen exposure response and its
medical and financial implications.

CDC (Center for Disease Control) Testing and Treatment Guidelines

Medical procedures to be followed in case of exposure are taken from CDC guidelines.
Whatever the site of the exposure incident and treatment, CDC guidelines should be
followed and the following testing should be done: The source patient‘s and the exposure
recipient‘s blood should be tested as soon as possible for anti-HBsAG, anti-HCV and
anti-HIV. The exposure recipient should be tested for anti-HBsAG, anti-HCV and anti-HIV
the same day as the exposure to provide baseline data. Liver function tests should
be obtained. Hepatitis B testing is not required if the exposure recipient has received
the hepatitis B vaccine and was post-tested to prove seroconversion immunity. The
exposure recipient should receive counseling concerning the signs and symptoms associated
with anti-HIV seroconversion and given the opportunity for further clinical evaluation.
The health care provider at the chosen treatment site should be asked to determine
whether to give information on AZT or other prophylaxis. Exposure includes the following.

CCRI'S Position on Student Health Insurance

At present CCRI does not require its students to carry health insurance. This policy
is currently under review. CCRI urges all its uninsured students, particularly those
in CCRI health programs, to purchase insurance that will provide, in particular, adequate
coverage in case of a bloodborne exposure incident. CCRI urges all insured students
to consult their insurance providers to determine their coverage limits, especially
coverage for the blood tests that may be required following a bloodborne pathogen
exposure. Student Health Insurance.